Der Mann vom Niger

The French Colonial films were a different species to RHODES of Africa and GUNGA DIN and the opening makes this one look as if it will be a good example. De Baroncelli's film making is sure (no back projection here) and the male lead trio are effectively planted in an authentic African setting, with Victor Francen (later useful but wasted in Hollywood) and the great Harry Baur (shortly to die after his treatment by the Occupation police) among the best performers of their day.

Unfortunately things veer into dumb, weepy melodrama, when we get to the windowless Paris interiors, and never recover, even though the natives get restless.

Interesting to see how they are attempting to deal with the stigma of Leprosy here, in much the same way that AIDS will be handled in the nineties - the male kiss, gloved hands etc.